Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225987 Inspection date 10 March 2006 Inspector Sarah Measures

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - enforcement action. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1990. She lives with her partner and their 3 adult children in Blaby, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The upstairs family bathroom is also accessible to minded children. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children under 5 years, 3 children between 5 and 8 years and 3 children 8 years and over. The childminder walks to local schools to take and

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 collect children. The family has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy as they are cared for in a clean home where appropriate health and hygiene procedures are followed. For example, the childminder makes sure floors are clean as she cares for babies and young children and she ensure toilets are always clean with fresh towels available for children daily. Children learn simple good health and hygiene practices, as babies have their faces and hands washed after eating and older children are in a routine of hand washing after they have used the toilet. The physical needs of very young children are met, as they are provided with regular drinks, nappies are checked and they are able to sleep according to their needs. Very young children are encouraged to be independent, for example food is presented so that they are able to feed themselves. Children are protected in the event of an accident, as a fully stocked first aid box is accessible. Children benefit

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Helping children to be healthy

from regular outdoor exercise, as they walk to schools and pre-school groups and use the local parks and the childminder's garden for outdoor play and exercise. Children's dietary needs are met, as parents provide all meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. For example, the childminder takes care to ensure hazards are made inaccessible to children. Children are supervised appropriately in order to ensure their safety. For example, if young children leave the main play area, the childminder follows them to bring them back. Children are not fully protected in the event of a fire, as although there is a fire blanket available in the kitchen, there are insufficient smoke alarms present to meet fire regulations. The premises are organised so that children have good play space and children's safety is promoted as they have no unsupervised access to the kitchen or garden areas. Children use toys and equipment that are safe, although parents provide most equipment to ensure their needs are met. Children are protected as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection, however referral information is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. The variety of activities provided for pre-school children and babies and toddlers is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 satisfactory. Children have access to toys that give them some choice and variety and minimum standards are met. Toys and resources are appropriate to children's age and stage of development. Children have the opportunity to explore their local area, as the childminder takes them on walks to the shops and to feed the ducks. The childminder interacts with young children in order to encourage their language and emotional development. Pre-school children take part in colouring activities, however a range of activities to develop their fine physical skills and creativity is not provided. The range of activities for school aged children is not sufficient to meet their developmental needs or offer stimulation. The childminder shows a limited understanding of the needs of older children. The limited selection of games and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources accessible to older children restricts their opportunities and ability to make choices and play effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The partnership with parents is satisfactory, although professional relationships are not established in order to promote consistent care for children. There is a daily exchange of information, although the required paperwork to support children's quality of care is not in use. Children have very limited opportunity to learn about those that are different from themselves, as toys and resources that reflect diversity are not readily available within their play environment. They do not have the opportunity to learn to value and appreciate other customs and beliefs, as no activities or experiences are provided that encourage them to understand different religions and cultures. The childminder has an understanding of the relevant issues to consider, if asked to care for a child who has special educational needs. Children are generally well behaved, as the childminder uses developmentally appropriate methods to manage

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their behaviour. Children learn patterns of good behaviour as they are praised. They learn co-operative behaviours, as the childminder discusses issues such as 'sharing' with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has been minding for several years, giving her varied experiences to help her care for children. Children feel secure, as routines are established. Children are protected in the event of an accident, as the childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course to ensure she is aware of what action to take. The childminder has failed to comply with conditions of registration, as she has been over her numbers of children cared for who are under the age of five years. The childminder has also failed to comply with regulations, as she does not maintain a full record of children's arrival and departure. Children's safety is significantly

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 compromised, as children's records are far from complete. Children are not protected as there is no information available to ensure their safety is maintained in the event of an emergency. The needs of the children cared for are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the quality of care provided was judged as inadequate. The childminder was required to attend appropriate training in first aid which she had done in order to ensure children are protected in the event of an accident.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The issues have not been resolved and will appear in the next inspection report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - enforcement action. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

Ofsted is taking enforcement action to safeguard the welfare of children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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